May 11, 2022 – On May 7, 2022, more than 120 friends, supporters, and Jesuits gathered at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus in Manhattan for the USA East Province’s Jesuit Dinner. The night was an opportunity to not only celebrate the works of the Province but also to present Mr. John C. Meditz with the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam award.
This was the Province’s first in-person dinner gathering since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. During his remarks, Provincial Fr. Joseph O’Keefe, SJ, discussed how despite the challenges of the past two years, attendees were able to gather together once again to celebrate in person. “We celebrate how far we’ve come through the trials and challenges of the past two years,” said Fr. O’Keefe. “We celebrate where God is calling us forward, as brothers and sisters in Christ, working together to serve one another and especially those on the margins.” Fr. O’Keefe then introduced Mr. Meditz and presented him with the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam award.
Mr. Meditz graduated from Xavier High School in New York City in 1966 and Fairfield University in 1970. He is a former Chairman and current member of the Board of Trustees at Xavier, as well as a current Trustee of Fairfield University. Mr. Meditz served on the Capital Campaign Committee for the Province, where his donation played a big part in the creation of a new apostolic center, The Jesuit Center, which has become the heart of operations for the USA East Province. This unique center allows Jesuits and lay colleagues to respond to ministerial needs in creative and effective ways. The Jesuit Center continues to foster the increased collaboration that enables USA East Jesuit works throughout our region to continue to thrive.
